Colorful flowers and plants now greet patients, visitors and staff as they arrive at at Kenmore Mercy Hospital.
A healing garden was blessed and dedicated on Friday, May 12. The garden was made possible by a donation to the Kenmore Mercy Foundation by the late John M. Repetski.
Open to all hospital patients, visitors and community members, the 2,225-square-foot healing garden is located on the north end of the hospital next to its new Ambulatory Surgery Unit. The garden features a variety of herbs, plants and flowers, each chosen with their therapeutic and calming effects in mind.
Studies show that after a stressful event, images of nature help decrease blood pressure, respiration rate, brain activity and improve moods, according to information from Kenmore Mercy.
In January 2016, a $2.3 million bequest was left by Repetski’s estate to benefit the hospital. It is the largest gift from an individual donor in the hospital’s 66-year history. The Foundation Board and hospital officials discussed the various needs of the hospital, and decided on the garden as one of the ways to use the unrestricted donation.
